1. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
This reality is just one of infinite realities existing alongside this one in parallel. Take us over to one of those realities in which everything is the same but these S52 playoffs have unfolded differently. What happened in that reality's playoffs and who's in the Challenge Cup over there?

Ah, what could have been for the Chicago Syndicate. They had the series against Manhattan in hand after falling behind one game to nothing. They stormed back with 3 straight convincing wins and looked to close out the series in game 5. Game 5 was a closely contested battle that took an extra period to decide. After all was said and done, what could have been Chicago clinching the series in 5 games in overtime turned into a complete momentum change in the series. After losing 3 straight, Manhattan won three straight of their own to clinch the series in seven games and send Chicago home with their hopes and dreams of the cup dashed. It an alternate universe, Chicago closes out game 5 in overtime and goes on to beat Buffalo and San Francisco similarly to how Manhattan did it here. Being a part of Chicago, it was extremely disappointing and we look to make that alternate reality this reality next season.

3. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)
By now, you're probably familiar with the attributes on FHM, and you likely have some sense of what type of build you're going to be aiming for with your player. What one attribute are you going to focus on most? Of all the attributes in the game, what is your player going to strive to be the absolute best at? Why are you picking that specific attribute above all others?

I’m actually doing a complete one eighty compared to my SHL build which was more about finesse. My FHM build I want to lean heavily on the physical aspects of the game. Checking being foremost in my mind. I’d like to get that pretty high. Very high checking coupled with high physical attributes such as speed, agility, balance, and acceleration will hopefully yield some good results in terms on, maybe not scoring a lot, but being able to force turnovers and really drive play down low. It’s anyone’s guess as to how the whole FHM switch will shake out, but this is my game plan. I’m coming for that Dar (if we still count hits in that vote, that is).

4. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
The Most Generic Prompt of All Time - what is your player looking forward to in the offseason? What are they planning on doing? Training? Relaxing? Testing free agency? Whatever it is, let us know!

After a long season and a disappointing exit in the playoffs, Nick Connolly is looking forward to relaxing with his teammates and just healing up from the overall wear and tear of the past season. You could find Connolly on a beach somewhere with multiple drinks surrounding him trying to forget about Chicago’s collapse in the playoffs. Perhaps even on some hard drugs. Really anything to cope. After his sulking period he’ll resume more normal hockey activities. He’s working on his checking game and will look to be more of a physical presence on the ice next season. Long gym sessions and eating more and more will go a long way to helping him accomplish this goal. He’s always relied on his skating and more of a finesse style of play, but he’s looking to change that up so this offseason will be busy. After his few week bender to forget his pain, of course.

14. Written, up to 5 TPE Pick up to 5 Challenge Cup related topics to write about! Each topic is worth 1 TPE. Each answer must be 50+ words to qualify.

1. Head GMs JayWhy and Grapehead have been GMing for a while, whereas Co GMs Luketd and DaftRaincloud are newer to management - which team's front office staff (including coaches) do you think will provide a strategic edge (lol as if such a thing exists in STHS) in this series?

Ha, like Simon has any predictability whatsoever. I’d probably take the experience that JayWhy and Graphead have over a newer management team such as Luketd and DaftRaincloud. They’ve definitely been through many seasons and that experience becomes invaluable when in certain situations like these. I wouldn’t count Luke and Daft out though, as anything can happen.

2. Manhattan has been rocking a pretty evenly-distributed ice time for forwards (35-33-32) whereas San Francisco is going a bit more top-heavy (40-40-15). Which approach do you think is better for a fierce Challenge Cup series?

I think it all boils down to how deep each team is respectively. Obviously, if your team is full of capable players at the pro level, running an evenly distributed ice time strategy would be optimal. This would lead to fresher legs for your top line players and less burnout towards the end of the game should things be close.

3. The Rage and the Pride have, in my opinion at least, two of the best logos in the entire SHL. Which team's logo do you like more and why?

I really am a fan of the San Francisco Pride’s logo. I think it’s super well done. It’s very clean for a pretty generic mascot (a lion) and I love the colorway. It’s one you don’t see super often, but when done right it is probably one of my favorite color pairings.

4. What is your favorite player name on either of these two teams and why? (not favorite player/user, just focusing on their player name)

Some pretty tame names in here compared to other teams. One that immediately sticks out is Backdoor Barnacle. I have no idea what this means but it interests me. I’m curious to know more. Is it a sex move I’ve never heard of? If not it certainly sounds like one. I also like Vince Reaper. Reaper is just an A+ last name.

5. Would you rather: (a) a chainsaw lesson with JayWhy, (b) a private Gritty meet-and-greet for you and Luke, © an all-you-can-eat grape buffet experience with Grapehead, or (d) an hour session where DaftRaincloud shows you everything from his internet history?

Huh, interesting choices. I hate the Flyers so Gritty will be a pass. Grapes aren’t my favorite so pass. Last two remaining are Raincloud’s internet history and Jaywhy’s chainsaw lesson. As fun as going through a stranger’s internet history may be, I’d probably go practical with the chain saw lesson. At least I could use that in a situation if it ever came up and I needed to cut a tree down.

17. Casual Member Special, 3 TPE max - 1 TPE for participation, 0.5 TPE for each correct answer - SEND ANSWER IN PM TO "PT DIRECTOR" (tagged below)
A. As determined by draft class, which rostered player is the oldest player in this series?
B. Name TWO players who have played for both the Pride and the Rage.
C. Among ACTIVE PLAYERS, who has the most points scored in Pride franchise history?
D. Who was recently selected as the #1 player in Rage franchise history as part of their Top 50 in 50 series unveiled this season?

Sent.